WASHINGTON, D.C., 20th May, 2017 (WAM) -- A delegation of leading Emirati women participated in Fifth Annual Sheikha Fatima Lectureship held recently at the United States Institute of Peace, USIP, headquarters in Washington, D.C. The event examined the different roles and efforts placed by Emirati women and their impact on the UAE’s achievements as well as their contributions to peace and stability on a global scale.

The event featured Judge Khulood al Dhaheri, the UAE's first female judge and the youngest judge in the Arab world, Dr. Maryam Matar, Executive Director of UAE Genetic Diseases Association and Deputy Chairperson of Dubai Cares, Major Mariam Al Mansouri, the UAE’s first female fighter pilot, and Amna Al Haddad, UAE athlete weightlifter. The dialogue also included Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, CEO of Laureus USA, and Dr. Edit Schlaffer, Founder and Executive Director of Women without Borders/SAVE.

The event dialogue centred on the importance of UAE women’s contributions and how they are promoting peace in their particular endeavours both within the nation and abroad. Dr. Matar highlighted the diverse community that resides in the UAE, and how that assists in expanding her research on genetic diseases. She also highlighted the UAE’s health services provided to citizens and residents alike.

For her part, Major Al Mansouri said that despite the fact that she carried out defensive combat missions for the homeland, she also continues to conduct humanitarian operations in conflict areas through the delivery of aid relief.

Judge Khulood Al Dhaheri spoke about the UAE Constitution, which guarantees rights to a decent life for its citizens and ensures full equality between the sexes.

Al Haddad emphasised the importance of sport and the impact it had on her life by increasing her self-confidence and managing depression, leading her to represent the UAE in sporting competitions and establishing a charity for mental health awareness and care.

In recognition of women as peace builders, USIP established the Sheikha Fatima Lectureship series around "Women at the Table". It was through the generosity of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and wife of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates, that the United States Institute of Peace named the north atrium of the headquarters building the "International Women’s Commons", in recognition of efforts to advance the progress of women as peacemakers.